Posted by long time exer on April 15, 2011 at 13:21:37
In Reply to: Re: can't cope with some what you wrote posted by Farmer on April 15, 2011 at 05:30:20:
I do think something is lost in translation. The original thread, as I saw it, was about oppression and protection in spite of decisions that were ultimately bad. It wasn't about what the dark side of all human beings was or can be.
To clarify my thoughts about religion: I am not anti-Christian. I hate extremism where religion is used to put people into bondage.
Personally, I have not been able to separate Christian doctrine from the feelings associated to how it was mis-applied by TF at the direction of David Berg. So, as I said, I don't know what I believe. That is being honest, not being satanic or hating your religion.
When it comes to personal responsibility of "sin" I think it is very wrong to lump people that suffered big abuses in TF with the perpetrators of that abuse. Even though as humans we all have the ability to make bad decisions, we all weren't puppet masters of toxic faux Christian ideology with a ravening desire to be God's representative for everyone else while catering to our most depraved desires.
When I talked about where the abuse stated, it is because it was pertinent to the thread, imo. Did abuses filter down and did we hurt each other as a result of those doctrines, yes.
Do I think the "system" was darker? NO.
Regarding your last statement about your ex-wife, while you did not stop the FFing and you lived off of it, that is where the oppression of Berg led you. That is where the oppression of Berg led her. Certainly it was painful and degrading but what were your thoughts when it was happening? Was it: "How much money is she going to make tonight because I want to go out to eat at some nice restaurants for a change, and I need some new shoes.." or was it.."Lord, I believe this is your will, forgive me for questioning it, but it hurts a lot. Make me stronger and help me to let her go. If this is not of you, please intervene."